Carefully inspected and professionally set up by our guitar workshop, this instrument is a showroom model, never used, in like-new condition.

ESP Deluxe hardcase, cardbox, and adjustment wrenches included.

ESP LTD Snakebyte SW Snow White

• James Hetfield (Metallica) Signature Model
• Made in Korea (MIK)
• Serial Number: W26030094
• Weight: 3.750 kg (8.27 lbs)
• Solid-body electric guitar (Explorer-style)
• Mahogany body
• Set mahogany neck
• Macassar ebony fingerboard
• Thin U neck profile
• 350 mm (13.78") fingerboard radius
• 629 mm (24.75") scale length
• 42 mm (1.65") nut width
• 22 Extra Jumbo frets
• 2 active EMG JH humbuckers
• 2 volume controls
• 3-way pickup selector
• TonePros locking TOM bridge and tailpiece
• LTD locking tuners
• Black hardware
• D'Addario XL110 strings (.010–.046)
  

The LTD Snakebyte is James Hetfield's signature electric guitar, developed in collaboration with the legendary Metallica frontman and rhythm guitarist. Combining bold styling, premium construction, and top-quality components, it is an instrument built for power, precision, and uncompromising performance.

Inspired by the classic Gibson Explorer, the Snakebyte features a more compact and aggressive body shape that perfectly reflects Hetfield's vision. Its mahogany body delivers excellent resonance, producing a warm, full-bodied tone with outstanding sustain. The overall balance is exceptionally well designed, ensuring outstanding comfort whether playing seated or standing on stage.

The mahogany set neck offers a fast, comfortable playing feel, while the Macassar ebony fingerboard provides a smooth surface for precise articulation and effortless playability. The distinctive cross-shaped inlays reinforce the guitar's unmistakable identity and perfectly complement Metallica's iconic dark aesthetic.

The Snakebyte comes equipped with a set of EMG JH "Het Set" active pickups, designed specifically for James Hetfield. They deliver crushing high-gain tones while maintaining exceptional clarity and dynamic response, making them equally suitable for demanding modern players.

The neck pickup is slightly warmer than an EMG 60, producing rich, detailed tones that excel for expressive lead work and articulate clean passages. The bridge pickup, based on the legendary EMG 81 but offering increased dynamics and greater sensitivity to picking nuances, delivers razor-sharp rhythm tones that are perfect for thrash metal and heavy rock.

Made in Korea, the LTD Snakebyte reflects ESP's renowned craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Build quality is outstanding, the finish is flawless, and the playability is exceptional.

Although closely associated with James Hetfield, the Snakebyte appeals to a much broader range of players. It is, above all, a stage-ready instrument designed to deliver crushing riffs with confidence and precision. Its distinctive design, rock-solid construction, outstanding playability, and premium electronics make it an exceptional choice for heavy metal enthusiasts and guitarists seeking powerful, aggressive, and articulate tones.